Raipur: Tensions over alleged religious conversions flared in parts of Chhattisgarh over the weekend, with violent confrontations reported in Bilaspur, Durg, and Ambikapur districts. At least 13 people were injured in Bilaspur, dozens booked, as multiple protests erupted between the members of two communities who clashed during prayer meetings.Bilaspur: Clashes During Prayer MeetingA major incident occurred on Sunday evening in Bilaspur’s Sipat area, where more than 150 members of a community had gathered for a prayer service at a house. According to police, participants were distributing religious literature when locals alerted members of a right wing outfit, alleging that conversion activities were taking place in the area.As right wing activists reached the spot and demanded the pastor step outside, stone pelting began from outside the venue, police said. In retaliation, stones were also thrown from inside the house. At least 13 people—10 from the minority community and three from the right wing outfit—were injured in the clash. Police detained seven people for ‘security reasons’. Both communities later staged protests outside Sipat police station, raising slogans and demanding action against each other. Cross FIRs have been filed against more than 19 people from both sides.Twelve members of the right wing outfits were charged with rioting, abuse, and damaging govt property. Police said seven people from minority community were also booked for offences.Durg: Man Assaulted, Protests EruptA similar confrontation erupted in Durg’s Padmanabhpur area, where activists of some right wing outfits surrounded a prayer gathering near Bafna Mangalam. Eyewitnesses said a man from the prayer meet allegedly abused the right wing activists, following which they beat him with sticks before police intervened and detained him.The detainment triggered fresh protests as members of the minority community marched to the police station.Durg additional SP Sukhnandan Rathore said both parties have been counselled and urged to maintain peace while the investigation proceeds. Meanwhile, right wing groups demanded the detained man’s expulsion from the district and a probe into his finances, warning of fresh agitation if their demands are ignored.Ambikapur: Woman Booked Under Anti-Conversion LawIn Ambikapur’s Manpat region, a woman was caught allegedly attempting to take six tribal girls for conversion without the knowledge of their parents. The incident occurred in the Sarbhanja village. Police said a case has been registered against her under Section 5(A) of the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, which prohibits conversion by inducement. The parents of the minors have also recorded their statements.
